DENBIGHSHIRE council is set to approve a £2million scheme to refurbish a "threatening" Rhyl town centre car park.

The council's cabinet is expected to give the go-ahead next week on the plans at the car park that will serve Rhyl's new water park. Some councillors said people complained it did not currently feel safe and had a "threatening" atmosphere.

The car park is at the heart of the town's Family Entertainment Zones which includes the Children's Village.

It is expected that the improved facility will help with footfall at the town's new aquatic centre which will open next year.

Councillors have been warned that if it is not refurbished it could undermine the success of redevelopments in the area.

Rhyl South West councillor, Joan Butterfield, said: "I think it's integral to the new aquatic centre which will open early next year. It's planned to keep the footfall up there and to provide a safe environment. It has never been a successful car park. People have not had the confidence that it's safe and it feels quite threatening. Another problem has been the ventilation system and the emissions from cars, all of that had to be addressed if we are to make it a safe car park."

A report before councillors said it was poorly used, with it usually being at five per cent capacity, and that ventilation and fire suppression systems were out dated which meant half of the car park has had to be closed off.

The report said the business case for the new water park is: "dependent on the underground car park being fully operation and at full capacity prior to opening in early 2019."

It added that pedestrian access to the site was poor with people having to go up and down two sets of stairs to get in and out.

The ramp allowing people with disabilities and buggies access was described as being very steep as well as the western pedestrian entrance being inaccessible during rain showers because water pooled there.

The report went on to say: "The environment is threatening as the space is dimly lit and enclosed and attracts anti-social behaviour due to the low usage."

The total cost for the improvements will be £2,125,986.

Changes to the site will include refurbishing the ventilation and fire suppression systems, new lighting, a canopy on the western entrance and improving ramp access.

The report said: "The impact overall will be positive. This is because it will

support and improve footfall in the town centre, support the creation of quality jobs."

Denbighshire County Council has been asked to comment.